Last week we said good-bye to our sweet dog Marley. He is happily settling in to a new home with our vet as we gave him up after 4 years with us. Over the last two years, Erich and I have had many conversations about having our dog and with two kids at home now, it was increasingly difficult for us to devote the time or attention to Marley that he wanted and we felt he deserved. I was frequently stressed about the additional mess that muddy dog feet and loads of dog hair add to my stay-at-home-mom life and it was always complicated to make arrangements for Marley if we were going out of town.
But Marley is one of the nicest dogs. Happy, sweet. He loves people and was great with kids -- ours and those that came over. He is smart and obedient. He was part of our family. How can we just give him up -- or give up on him?
Two months ago we had to take Marley in for some extensive veterinary care. As a result of the time with him, our vet asked if we would ever consider selling him. To me, it seemed like a perfect solution. Erich was more reticent and the more serious our conversations became, I had a hard time balancing the emotions with the logic. We wrestled and talked to people and even prayed about our decision.
So, we nervously explained to Soren that Marley was going to live somewhere else. We know that this is the best decision for our family at this point in our lives and that to wait much longer would make it harder on Soren and Mattias if he was old enough. We said our good-byes, we took some pictures of Marley with his boys. We called our vet and brought Marley to him.
I miss Marley everyday. I enjoy the peacefulness of our house and the absence of dog hair, a dirty towel at the back door for paws and the water bowl that was often a toy and boy hazard. But I miss the sweet face with loving brown eyes, the hysterical giggles of Soren watching him run in the backyard, the (usually obnoxious, I remind myself) presence of our canine companion.
I thought it would be like ripping a band-aid where it hurts for minute and then it's done. But it's also a loss for us and I realize that now. Our home is more peaceful and our lives a little easier. Marley is doing well and getting some of the attention and spoiling that he didn't get from us. It is a good thing. But my hurt is a little deeper than ripping a band-aid.
